An Unfinished War •

Born in 1984 in Baku, Soviet Azerbaijan, I fled the country in 1988 with my family because of ethnic violence against the Armenian population. We lost our home, our friends, our relatives, our hopes. Organised killings of Armenians, the fight for Nagorno Karabakh’s independence and reunion with the Armenian SSR lead to large-scale war in 1991-1994 following the fall of the Soviet Union.

The ethnic Armenian enclave of Nagorno Karabakh declared its independence from Azerbaijan in 1991, but the independence has not been recognised internationally. A ceasefire agreement mediated by Russia was signed in 1994. But, de jure war never ended. Ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan along the border continued for years.

Another full-scale war between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out in the morning of September 27, 2020 and quickly escalated from the front lines to populated towns and villages. The war ended on November 10, with Azerbaijan taking control of a part of Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as surrounding regions Armenia had occupied as a buffer zone to protect our small territory. More than 5000 people killed during 44 days war, illegal chemical weapons were used by Azerbaijan, and thousands lost their homes. Ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan on the new frontlines continue to this day.

This area had big economic importance for the region during the Soviet time. Today, it is a neutral zone and is only used by Armenia and Azerbaijan to exchange captives and bodies.
The view of Talish village few days after the frozen conflicted exploded in April 2016.
Nagorno-Karabakh defense army soldier observes the situation on the border.
On 7 August 2014. Karen Petrosyan, 33 y.o., a native of Chinari village, gets lost near the border. Within hours, Azerbaijan has announced, that he was saboteur; by the next day, the death of Karen was announced, allegedly due to a heart attack.
Nagorno-Karabakh Army soldiers in the trenches of Nagorno-Karabakh - Azerbaijan line of contact.
Nagorno-Karabakh Army soldiers. Nagorno-Karabakh
A killed dog found in the morning. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh
Alarm system in the trenches on Armenia-Azerbaijan border
Soldier sits in the military base.
The land of beauty and pain. Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
Soldier enters the destroyed building of Center of Culture in Talish village.
During the last few years the kindergarten of Chinari village turned into one of the targets for Azeri Army. For security reasons, the state blocked all the windows and even at noon electrical light is needed here.
On 5 February 2015 Vanik Ghukasyan, 60 y.o., native of Nerqin Karmiraghbyur village, is shot dead by Azeri armed forces in his own house.
Mother gives an evening bath to her child. Especially in the evenings people avoid going out from the house. Bathrooms are usually located outside.
Almost all the houses in the border villages are outfitted like military posts.
The body of 94 y.o. Shushan Asatryan was found in her bed in her house, which was destroyed by the shell explosion on 24th of August, 2015.
An old man carries drinking water in the city of Shushi, the former cultural center of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Khoranashat monastery (13 century) is located 200m from Azeri military posts. Only three years ago, mass was still being held under this dome.
Neutral zone of Armenia – Azerbaijan border: This statue of Arevik used to welcome people entering Armenia; today it’s under gunfire and is only used to exchange captives and bodies.
Soldier of Nagorno Karabakh Army working near the trenches.
Sunrise at Armenia Azerbaijan border.
Religion means a lot in the country and especially on the border. Each military position has a small corner made by soldiers where they can pray and light candles. Armenia-Azerbaijan border.
Neutral zone of Armenia – Azerbaijan border: This statue of Arevik used to welcome people entering Armenia; today it’s under gunfire and is only used to exchange captives and bodies.
Soldiers of Armenian Army in the military base on Armenia-Azerbaijan border
The remains of the war in 90ies are mixed here with recent destructions.
World War II memorial, with bullet traces from the war in 90's.